We see plenty of homeowners find a crack in their garage and descend into a spiral of panic. But don’t start fretting until you’ve consulted with your Foundation Pro professional or until you’ve read our blog. Cracks in brick masonry above garage door openings are not always due to foundation problems. In fact, the cause of these cracks often has to do with a deflected lintel that helps support bricks over garage and window openings. If you’ve found a crack over or in garage area, read the Foundation Pro blog for answers and hopefully some solutions.
Garage Floor Cracks versus Masonry Cracks
There are two primary types of cracks you may find in your garage: Floor (slab) and Masonry. Both can be attributed to materials, weather, soil, and other elements. There are a few ways to determine the causes for each issue.
- Floor Cracks. Cracks in your garage floor are likely due to materials, settlement, or weather. You can help your Foundation Pro professional identify the source of the issue by providing information such as when the crack appeared and when the concrete was poured.
- Masonry Cracks. Masonry cracks can be caused by soil expansion, settlement, or deflected lintels. They can also be caused by old age. Your Foundation Pro professional can identify the source of the crack by tracking its measurements.
What are the reasons for cracks in your garage?
Cracks can form for numerous reasons, including but not limited to the following:
- Uneven settlement
- Shrinkage or Craftsmanship
- Deflected lintels
Cracks Due to Uneven Settlement
One of the main reasons homeowners find cracks in their garage is due to uneven foundational settlement. If you have a concrete foundation that is built on soil with clay minerals, you may be more susceptible to foundation damage. When the soil absorbs moisture, it swells and lifts the foundation, causing distress on concrete and floor slabs. Inversely, when the clay dries, it can create large voids in the soil in which the foundation can shift.
Cracks Due to Shrinkage or Craftsmanship
In some cases, the damage may be due to human error or the materials themselves. If you see a crack in your garage floor, concrete shrinkage may be responsible. During the natural curing of concrete, it is natural to see instances of hairline cracking. The crack may also be due to an improper base or low-quality materials.
Cracks Due to Deflected Lintels
Cracks in masonry over or around large openings such a garage door may be attributed to a deflected lintel. A lintel is often made from an angle iron. In warm summer months, the thermal expansion of the iron causes it to sag downward. When this happens the bricks can crack as they sag over the bowed lintel. These cracks can be tuck-pointed or caulked and monitored. If the condition worsens, the lintel can be replaced by a brick mason.
Call Foundation Pro for Your Free Foundation Repair Consultation!
Go with the Pro! Foundation Pro will start your foundation repair off on the right track with advanced, long-lasting repair solutions. Call today to schedule your FREE consultation. The sooner you fix your foundation, the sooner you can get your home back to normal. Call Foundation Pro today at 501-753-1009.
